Saros Reviews
Saros tries at an interesting and ambitious story it isn't always able to effectively tell, but Housemarque has once again proved that its bullet-hell sensibilities mesh incredibly well with fluid and challenging action.
Saros' narrative often feels at odds with the kind of experience it wants to be, but there's no denying this is another top-tier action game from Housemarque.
It feels like one big adventure, and you’re only privy to one piece at a time. Delving into the depths of a foreign planet would usually be off-putting to me as a cozy gamer, but the world of Carcosa drew me in.
Saros is a phenomenal game that flips Housemarque's roguelite formula on its head and improves upon its spiritual predecessor in every conceivable way.
Saros is a relentless, exciting and demanding rogue-lite shooter that combines cinematic spectacle with tight bullet-hell combat. It's a marvellous follow-up to Returnal, that retains the best bits of its predecessor while sanding down its (minor) rough edges. It pulls very few punches, but will have you saying "one more run" on a loop.
Quote not Coming into 2026, I knew that few games were a surer bet than Saros. Housemarque’s 2021 breakout is still one of the PS5’s best games, and Saros will now stand alongside it.yet available
Saros builds on the excellence of Returnal, furthering Housemarque's blend of third-person action, bullet hell and roguelite with a more broadly told and ambitious story, a subtly more accessible path for newcomers, and still plenty of challenge for those that crave it. Echoing the game's tagline, Housemarque has come back stronger.
Housemarque follows up Returnal with PS5 exclusive Saros, another wildly entertaining and action-packed third-person shooter.
"Come back stronger," has been pitched as the core ethos Saros wants to instil within you - and Housemarque absolutely did.
Saros is a confirmation of the talent and skill of the team at Housemarque, delivering a highly accessible action roguelite that is by no means easy. Both the aesthetic and narrative aspects are outstanding, and the game places the pure gameplay experience at the center of everything-dynamic and incredibly fun. A game that comes close to perfection.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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Saros is a brilliant third-person shooter that takes what worked in Returnal and streamlines it for an even smoother game without diluting the fun. The core gameplay is the star attraction; complex yet intuitive, and a perfectly judged challenge that's so satisfying to overcome. With compelling permanent progression, flexible ways to modify your experience, and an intriguing story to follow, this is another step towards Housemarque's planetary takeover.
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A blistering, rapid-fire epic without peer, Saros confidently delivers a dual masterclass in third-person shooter design and roguelike sensibilities all wrapped in a delectable veneer that elevates it to one of the best looking games on PlayStation 5. To quote the kids - Housemarque cooked here. This is their masterpiece and it is next the must have, utterly essential PlayStation exclusive. Carcosa beckons.
Saros is basically a sequel to Returnal in all but name. By building on the mechanics of its previous work, Housemarque has made Saros an even better roguelike and bullet-hell experience. It’s slick, powerful, and devilish in all the right places.
Saros is Housemarque's ultimate creation; the culmination of years of hard work and experimentation. Returnal is Game of the Year quality, no doubt. But Saros has taken what Returnal offered and refined it, only adding to the formula until the end result is Housemarque's finest release yet. In a sea of great April games, Saros' excellence stands out as another Game of the Year contender.
SAROS carries that torch and expands on the formula to new heights, introducing an entire ensemble cast of characters that push the narrative further as players unravel the mystery on a new alien planet, Carcosa.
Saros is an incredible step up over Returnal in every way imaginable. The rogue-lite progression and quality-of-life improvements are great, but it's the more complex bullet-hell system, bolstered by a compelling world and some masterful level design, that truly elevates it.
Saros, while not without some notable flaws, is still an engaging, intricately crafted, and intriguing roguelike action game that sets a new bar for Housemarque as an upgrade to Returnal in many ways.
Saros is a remarkably pragmatic evolution. It holds onto the spectacular bullet hell barrage and top tier gunplay that defined its predecessor, while making smart compromises to better fit mainstream playstyles. With a gentler difficulty curve and clear, intuitive progression feedback, it lowers the once-intimidating barrier to entry significantly. As a major tentpole in Sony's first party lineup this year, this game truly delivers an exhilarating, deeply satisfying alien odyssey for action-shooter fans.
Review in Chinese | Read full review